This blog is now archived. A discussion on censorship through the Pelham Public Library, Fonthill, Ontario. Take the "Banned Book Challenge." A comprehensive list of "banned book" sites and resources for the novel "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury can be found on the sidebar.

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Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Banned Book Challenge 2011

Thank you for your participation in the Banned Book Challenge for 2011. 41 people registered with a goal of 443 books. While this specific challenge is over, feel free to read banned and challenged books. Find lists on the sidebar or through our LibraryThing account.

I completely agree. Some challenges are ill brought. Some are based on books people never read all the way through. Some are based on religion or opposition to homosexuality or the like.

But a number are properly brought, properly considered, and the material is properly removed. It is simply not right to label every single person who brings a challenge as a "censor," as the ALA does, in an effort to frighten others into not bringing challenges in the first place.

Even the creator of "Banned Books Week" said:

"On rare occasion, we have situations where a piece of material is not what it appears to be on the surface and the material is totally inappropriate for a school library. In that case, yes, it is appropriate to remove materials. If it doesn't fit your material selection policy, get it out of there."

Hey, trick question, let me ask you this. In the ALA's latest top 10 most challenged list "And Tango Makes Three" was the top book on the list. How many times was it actually challenged in that year? Hint.